by F. R. Montes de Oca, Jr.
The topic Fire Scene carries many connotations or sub-topics. Today’s supporting sub-topics are communication, coordination and control. When utilized consistently, the outcome is most often effective fire scene command. The commander must master and rely on these three skills to support fire and rescue operation efforts whether at single-family dwelling fires or large, commercial incidents.
Many articles cite communication as the critical component of effective fire scene management. Regardless of the size or complexity of the incident, clear, timely, and accurate communication often results in effective fire scene command and control. Whether conducted by radio or face-to-face, communication is the key component of good fire scene management. Experienced fire ground commanders rely on short, directed communications instead of long-winded messages. In other words: Be brief. Be bright. Be gone.
Whether you’re responding to a fire scene or preparing for training, communication is key to a successful operation.
The on-scene commander is expected to produce consistent communication, which begins and maintains the process of fire scene coordination of resources: equipment, supplies and personnel. As the fire scene grows, timely coordination of resources supports the “battle rhythm” of fire ground operations helping to ensure positive outcomes: lives saved and property preserved.
Coordination is vital to a successful fire scene response.
Coordination is the second leg of successful fire scene mitigation. A study several years ago determined that a fire scene commander may be required to consider up to 10,000 decision points during a fast-moving, major incident. So, effective communication will support the commander’s coordination efforts consisting of: reporting initial situation and actions, directing suppression and rescue activities, requesting additional resources, requesting and often directing other agencies for traffic control, medical care, housing, water supply and ensuring the safety and welfare of firefighting members.
The last and most difficult leg of the Three C’s is control. That is because control can be elusive. Firefighters can be controlled only if they allow you to control them. Victims allow you to order them. And support resources follow your orders if they are confident that you are capable. This circles back to the original “C” – communication.
Communication must occur before during and after the event. At planning sessions. At open house invitations for support agencies to visit your station or office to discuss how your fire department operates. Exploring how your agency operates and how theirs can support overall operations and expand understanding. Communicating during training sessions helps all members to know how they fit into the operation and their value to the success of the operation.
Strong communications during the event ensure clear directives to all members, thus reinforcing their safety and effectiveness. And communicating following the event reinforces positive actions and identifies areas needing improvement.
Finally, good (effective) fire scene commanders rely heavily on support staff to ensure effective communications and positive outcomes. Departments may have personnel who may not be physically able to fight fire or perform rescues, but their value can be to assist in the communication efforts: message runners, developing and maintaining large-scene personnel tasking lists to ensure positive tracking of personnel and related, critical functions. Seek them out, train them, make sure all personnel are aware of their tasks and utilize them.
Effective fire scene outcomes are tied together by communication, the critical value at the bottom right corner of an effective fire scene command effort built upon the Three C’s.
Frank Montes de Oca served as a firefighter/paramedic for over 38 years attaining positions as Chief of EMS, Training Bureau Commander, and Chief of Department. He remains engaged in managing and developing firefighter safety programs and mentoring leaders.